Here's One Early Omicron Symptom You Should Watch for as Infections Climb

Published January 15, 2022 • Updated on January 15, 2022 at 8:01 pm

And what are some of the first signs of an infection?

Many are asking these questions as omicron cases surge nationwide and as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention update their quarantine and isolation guidelines, which now differ depending on whether or not you have a symptomatic infection.

Here's what we know so far.
What are some of the first symptoms with omicron?
Sore throat continues to be a symptom reported, particularly in mild breakthrough infections, Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady previously stated.

"Especially in people who we're seeing these more mild breakthrough infections, we are definitely seeing sore throat be a predictor in that group," Arwady said.

She repeated earlier calls for people who have any flu- or cold-like symptoms to assume they have COVID "until proven otherwise."

"Even if it's a sore throat, no matter what it is," she said. "I've told my own staff this, it's what I do myself... if you are sick, even a little bit sick, stay home. More true than ever right now because sick, even a little bit sick, until proven otherwise with a test - that's COVID. That's how we treat it, that's how you should treat it."